A number of high-end bicycles, worth around £7,000 altogether, have been stolen in break-ins at two neighbouring properties.

The properties in St Andrews Street, Peebles were targeted overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.

During the first break-in, the thieves broke in to a house and stole two bikes, a Specialized Camber Comp Carbon and a Carrera Valour, worth in total around £4,000.

A nearby shed was also broken into, with five more bikes worth a total of around £3,000 stolen.

The bikes in the shed were a black and grey Genesis Core, a black Specialized Langster, an unmarked carbon fibre racing bike, a black bicycle with Claude Butler and Teviot Cycle stickers and a Gary Fisher mountain bike with yellow writing on the frame.

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Inspector Mike Bennett, of Galashiels police station, said: "We're very keen to trace whoever is responsible for these thefts and reunite the owners with their property.

"I want to hear from anyone who knows anything about these break-ins or who has been approached to buy a second-hand bike in the area in recent days.

"Tackling housebreaking is a priority for police and we are committed to tracing anyone involved in this criminal activity.

"However there are a number of crime prevention steps that you can take to better protect your home and property such as ensuring windows and doors are properly secured as well as hiding valuable items from view."

Those with information have been urged to contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.